Treatment of Allergies in Dogs
Treatment and Prevention of Allergies
Pharmaceutical drugs like corticosteroids, anti-histamine or cyclosporine are efficient in alleviating the symptoms of the allergies in dogs but their side effects could be very serious with long-term use. A 4-step natural approach will help your companion regain a good quality of life.
4 Steps for Natural Treatment of Allergies
Step 1: Allergen Avoidance
“One ounce of prevention is worth more than one pound of cure.” The first step is to avoid exposure to as many allergens as possible. Even with skin testing, it is difficult to identify the specific culprit of a dog’s allergies. Therefore, you can take the following action:
- Treat against fleas when necessary
- Use hypoallergenic pet food or organic homemade meals for your pet’s diet when possible. You can also practice the elimination diet by removing the most common allergens (beef, dairy and wheat) first for several weeks and observe your pet for any signs of improvement.
- Using natural, non-toxic cleaners, vacuum and wash the floors, wash your pet’s bed and your pet’s toys as often as possible. Wipe your animal’s feet before entering the house and use special air filters to remove dust and pollen.
Step 2: Shampoo
This is probably the most important step in relieving your dog’s allergies. As long as you use a mild, natural shampoo and the proper technique, you can wash your dog as often as needed – from once a day to once every 2 weeks. The shampoo has 3 major properties:
- Removes pollen, dust and toxins from the skin and fur
- Improves the skin barrier formation and,
- Reduces inflammation that causes itching.
Step 3: Omega-3 DHA Food Supplement
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential because dogs cannot synthesize them within their own body – your dog must obtain them from food or supplement. The optimal source of Omega-3 DHA comes from algae phytoplankton.
A large dose of 15 mg/kg of one of the Omega-3 DHA is necessary to control and resolve the inflammation. The only way to provide your dog with enough DHA is to use a high quality food supplement.
Step 4: Detoxify Your Dog with a Liver Support Food Supplement
In allergic pets, the liver is overwhelmed by toxins and metabolites like histamine and cannot perform its detoxification function. Providing a daily food supplement of plant extracts supporting the liver function results in significant improvement of pet allergy.
